Get ready to leave Earth's atmosphere behind, because Abandoned Space Man's latest offering, 'Spacewalk 2026', shines as a bold, celestial, and otherworldly experience. Released early last year, the album is a driven 17-track odyssey that unfolds with each cut, building a narrative-driven tale that is impossible to forget.
The brainchild of prolific US-based producer, writer, and musician Cliff Paris, Abandoned Space Man is a project like few others. Armed with a style that blends intricate narratives and expansive soundscapes, it’s an almost overwhelming collision of elements that is well suited to the cosmic backdrop of the album.
Inspired by the idea of a lone spaceman “encountering alien life and the power of thought,” it's a transcendent journey through consciousness and the vastness of space. Brought to life with the assistance of nine international artists who all contribute their own creative flair, the album is a gripping story that will play on your mind for days at a time.
The core of 'Spacewalk 2026' lies in its unique, almost hybrid sound. Rich, textural synthesisers intertwine with deep, resonant sub-bass, pushing outwards and creating these wide musical spaces. The album’s vocal narrative, cloaked in evolving tones and moods, ensures the adventure pushes forward and never runs stale. Whether it’s the pulsing energy of ‘Report’, or the dreamlike calm of ‘Starlight’, Cliff wraps the story with spacious arrangements that amplify the mood.
The production is grand, but not overblown, ensuring every element is front and centre, and drawing you deep into the album's universe. Tracks like the expansive ‘Space Walk 2026’ and ‘Abandoned Spaceman’ shine with this light, but effective touch, while ‘Rattlesnakes in Space’ and ‘Circuit 21’ showcase a modern musical element that seem larger than life.
The album's influences are wonderfully varied, pulling from the rhythmic beats of 90s hip hop and trip-hop, the raw energy of rock, and the smooth grooves of R&B. It’s a diverse palette, busily combined with the contributions of international vocalists who add layers of depth to Cliff’s compositions. 'Spacewalk 2026' seamlessly blends these genres, crafting a cohesive and utterly immersive listening experience that takes you on a cosmic ride through a captivating sonic universe.
For more from Cliff and Abandoned Space Man, be sure to check out the website or follow the project on Instagram and TikTok.
